(L-R) Sandrine Isheja, Queen Kalimpinya and Anitha Pendo are among competitors at the ongoing Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2024. Photos by Dan Gatsinzi and Willy Mucyo
Kenyan driver Karan Patel and his co-driver Tauseef Khan led the 2024 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally after a dominant performance on the first day.
Patel is eyeing a second consecutive FIA African Rally Championship title, currently leading the 2024 rankings.
He drove his Skoda Fabia R5 through Kigali’s opening stage, finishing 28 seconds ahead of Rwandan driver Giancarlo Davite in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. Ugandan driver Yassin Nasser ranks third, 49 seconds behind Patel.
The 2024 edition has also attracted Rwandan female drivers, like Queen Kalimpinya, media personality Anitha Pendo and Sandrine Isheja, the deputy Director General of Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.
The rally, featuring 23 drivers, continues in Bugesera with 13 laps over two days. Winners earn up to 30 points, with competitors vying for podium finishes in both African and national categories.
The New Times photographers Dan Gatsinzi and Willy Mucyo covered the opening session and brought some pictures for the highlights.
Rwanda’s Giancarlo Davite and co-pilot Sandrine Isheja emerged second in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
The spectacular stage played Friday, October 18, at the intersection of Kigali Heights and Kigali Convention Centre
Many supporters during the launch of the 2024 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla rally in Kigali on Friday, October 18.
Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2024 has attracted 23 drivers including seven competing in the African Championship while other 16, including seven Rwandan drivers, are playing at the national level.
Kalimpinya, now a driver, will be among the competitors at the 'Sprint Rally' on Saturday.
Radio Presenter Anitha Pendo
Fast-rising rally driver Queen Kalimpinya
Sandrine Isheja
Rwanda’s Giancarlo Davite and co-pilot Sandrine Isheja emerged second in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2024 has attracted 23 drivers
Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2024 has attracted 23 drivers including seven competing in the African Championship while other 16, including seven Rwandan drivers, are playing at the national level.
Rwanda’s Giancarlo Davite and co-pilot Sandrine Isheja emerged second in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
Hundreds of fans turned up for the show in Kigali
Anitha Pendo
Kenyan star driver Karan Patel and his co-driver Tauseef Khan
Hundreds of fans watch the race at Kigali Heights.
Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally 2024 has attracted 23 drivers including seven competing in the African Championship while other 16, including seven Rwandan drivers, are playing at the national level.